Click for Walker Click for Mulder Click for Abeking Click for Nordhavn Click for Delta

Michigan (West Side) Marina Recommendations

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by PropBet, Feb 14, 2009.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. PropBet, Feb 14, 2009
    #1
    PropBet

    PropBet Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    1,216
    Location:
    Is Everything!
    I'm on a little side project / hairball idea.

    Can anyone recommend a marina on the west side (Lake Michigan) that will support up to a 65' boat (5' draft), and preferably have dry storage for seasonal use. Preferably something with seasonal dockage, full services, fuel, and dry storage for the winter.

    I'm familiar with Bay Harbor, which is about as far north as I'd like to be. I'm looking for something no further south than Grand Haven and anything north of that on any of the inlet lakes.

    Searched the forum, and didn't find anything specific, so I figured a thread in search of info might not be a bad idea.

    I appreciate any input.

    Regards-
    ~PB
  2. GFC, Apr 23, 2009
    #2
    GFC

    GFC Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2008
    Messages:
    221
    Location:
    Tri Cities, WA
    Pb, I just saw your post and sent it to a friend who lives not far from Grand Haven. If he replies with anything interesting I'll post it on here.

    GFC
  3. PropBet, Apr 23, 2009
    #3
    PropBet

    PropBet Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    1,216
    Location:
    Is Everything!
    Thank you.

    I've actually spoken with a couple of people in the Grand Haven Marina who report great things about it and have gotten some other recommendations on other northern lakes between Grand Haven Marina and Traverse City.

    (Charlevoix is ranking high on my list as well, which may end up where we land. Going through the pros and cons of N v. S. which seems to never end.)
    Ludington is one other I need to look further into.

    Would love to hear the input from your friend as well.

    Much thanks-
    PB
  4. GFC, Apr 23, 2009
    #4
    GFC

    GFC Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2008
    Messages:
    221
    Location:
    Tri Cities, WA
    PB, here's his reply........

    "In Grand Haven there is Grand Isle. They sell BIIIIGGGG boats and they cater to all the "big boys" from Chicago. As far as further north I am not sure but let me do a little checking and I will get back to you.


    I will let you know what I find."

    PB are you out here on the west coast?
  5. CaptainMoto, Apr 23, 2009
    #5
    CaptainMoto

    CaptainMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    Messages:
    12
    Location:
    Kenosha Wisconsin
  6. PropBet, Apr 24, 2009
    #6
    PropBet

    PropBet Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    1,216
    Location:
    Is Everything!
    Currently, yes. I split my time in the Peoples Republic of California, Nevada, and Michigan. Soon to change however.

    Look forward to hearing his thoughts on anything north.
    Thanks for forwarding the info from him.
  7. PropBet, Apr 24, 2009
    #7
    PropBet

    PropBet Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    1,216
    Location:
    Is Everything!
    Thank you. Will look into it.
  8. MerryHell, Jan 18, 2010
    #8
    MerryHell

    MerryHell New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2007
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Charlevoix, MI
    Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs & Cheboygan is everything you want. But maybe too far north for you. I know of several people who keep their boats in Bay Harbor & Harbor Springs and store in Cheboygan.
  9. rigamarole, Jan 21, 2010
    #9
    rigamarole

    rigamarole New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Michigan
    It really depends on where you want to be. The East side of Lake Michigan has a deep water port about every 10 miles. St. Joseph near Chicago is the first, South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, White Hall, Pentwater, Ludington, Manistee, Onekema, Frankfurt, and Leland are all lower then Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse Bay east and west, Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs round out the Northern part of the lake. Traverse Bay has about 5 harbors to choose from.

    If you want to be in the Southern part of the lake, Holland would by my choice but I'm partial as I grew up there. For a small town charm, Saugatuck is nice.

    But if your not tied to a specific spot on land, then Charlevoix is by far the best port on the lake (imo). There are several island groups to cruise to and you can head to the bridge easily. The big draw back is water temperature and length of season. The second week of June to the end of September is fairly nice. Further South you can go for second week of May until mid October.

    I've spent a lot of time in most of these harbors so if you really need to narrow your choice down, give some more details of your project.
  10. jspiezio, Jan 21, 2010
    #10
    jspiezio

    jspiezio Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2010
    Messages:
    37
    Location:
    Changes

    Charlevoix and Leland are my favorites. The Leland harbor is a little limited in size (as in Leland itself) but a truly beautiful location across from the Manitous. As a short stop Leland is great, maybe not a summer base though. Chelevoix offers much more for a full season.